Press Releases
Condoms should be 'zero-rated' in next Budget - O'Malley
Progressive Democrats press release
March 30, 2006
Condoms should be 'zero-rated' in next Budget - O'Malley
Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O'Malley has renewed her call for the 21 per cent VAT rate on condoms to be scrapped.
The Dun Laoghaire Deputy today told the Dáil that Ireland had some of the most expensive condoms in Europe, while the British Government had recently reduced VAT on condoms from 17.5 to five per cent.
"I am calling on the Minister for Finance to consider 'zero-rating' condoms in his next Budget. While the Exchequer might take a small financial hit in the short term, the long-term positive impact on the health of the nation would be considerable," she said.
Deputy O'Malley said the Crisis Pregnancy Agency had highlighted the fact that cost deters some young people from buying condoms.
The fact that boxes of 12 condoms cost over €20 meant that it was difficult for many young people to afford them, she said.
She pointed out that the rise in sexually transmitted infections was putting screening services in hospitals under strain.
"Condoms are not luxury items. To retain the 21 per cent VAT rate is unfair and frankly unsafe."
For further information please contact Mary Minihan in the Progressive Democrats press office on 01-6183615 or 087-1225140.